Over the past four months, conversations surrounding Solvang Mayor David Brown’s tourism app—an independent business venture not affiliated with the city—warranted his recusals from several public hearings. His latest departure from the dais was during the Solvang City Council’s June 22 meeting, when his peers took part in a discussion about increasing copyright protections for […]
Solvang
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Secret Solvang tour guides show visitors and locals the best spots in town
From the professionalsFor more information about booking Secret Solvang tours, visit secretsolvang.com. Follow @secretsolvang on Instagram and TikTok for all the behind-the-scenes fun. Email info@secretsolvang.com with questions. Secret Solvang, an infamous Instagram and TikTok page, went viral for revealing all the charming bits of a town that some people view as two-dimensional. “I think people […]
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The Elverhoj Museum celebrates the 100th birthday of a Danish American painter
Artwork by Roland Petersen is up at the Elverhoj Museum of History and Art through Aug. 9. The Danish-born American artist is best known for his Picnic series, defined by geometric abstractions and striking colors. “This exhibition celebrates Petersen’s 100th birthday and honors a remarkable life in art that continues today through his ongoing dedication […]
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Solvang officials submit to new financial reporting after phone app backlash
Complaints from some Solvang officials about being blindsided by Mayor David Brown’s new side venture prompted an update to the City Council’s ethics code. While Brown informed city staff about his plans for Solvang Passport—a mobile phone app he created that promotes specific tourism destinations and businesses in town for a monthly fee—in late 2025, […]
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Solvang to explore contracting with Lompoc PD for law enforcement
Since 2015, Solvang’s law enforcement costs have doubled, increasing from about $1.5 million to $3.4 million. “That’s 107 percent increase over the last 10 years for the same baseline services,” Assistant City Manager Olivia Uribe-Mutal told the Solvang City Council during its May 26 meeting. “Over that same time, the city has experienced consistent concerns […]
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The Maverick Saloon hosts Pride-themed karaoke nights for the fifth year in a row
Calling all singersPut yourself out there at the Maverick Saloon during gayraoke on Tuesday nights in June at 8 p.m. located at 3687 Sagunto St. in Santa Ynez. Follow karaoke DJ Sam Silva on Instagram @samcrazypants. For more information about Santa Ynez Valley Pride activities, visit syvpride.org or check out @syv.pride on Instagram. Standing in […]
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Celebrate Pride Prom in Buellton
Disco. Glitz. Grunge. Y2K. It’s Pride Prom Through the Ages. The Tavern at Zaca Creek in Buellton will host the event on June 12, which benefits Santa Ynez Valley Pride and House of Pride and Equality. Pride Prom is meant to give members of the LGBTQ-plus community a safe space to show up as their […]
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Los Padres ForestWatch hosts a dinner that connects people with the land
Save a seatBuy tickets to The Wilderness Table by visiting forestwatch.org. The June 7 dinner runs from 4 to 8 p.m. at Larner Vineyard (955 Ballard Canyon Road in Solvang). For more on the food and beverage providers, visit larnerwine.com, rock12distillery.com, and highonthehogcatering.com. One summer evening, 50 strangers will have the luxury of breaking bread […]
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Solvang bans public urination, defecation
Constant giggling bled into the Solvang City Council’s discussion of a recent incident that inspired officials to formally ban public urination and defecation within city limits. A sighting of the latter specifically prompted the legislation, City Manager Randy Murphy explained. “I don’t think ‘number one’ was the issue here,” Murphy said at the council’s May […]
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Four artists dive into the deep for a CalNAM show
Paddle on over to the California Nature Art Museum for an exhibit under the sea. It’s hanging at the museum until July 20. Four artists contributed work celebrating the dynamic ecosystems that are touched by the saltwater spray. Ocean Forests: Our Coastal Communities highlights giant kelp, the largest marine plant on the planet. Each stalk […]
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Phone app controversy inspires changes to Solvang’s ethics code
Skateboard pro Robby Hargreaves’ 60 seconds of airtime at a Solvang City Council meeting in February prompted city officials to take a multi-month deep dive into a cellphone app developed by Mayor David Brown. The local owner of Solvang Skate Shop approached the public comment podium that night to ask about a new scavenger hunt-style […]
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Experience the work of a Danish violinist in Solvang
Musician and composer Mads Tolling will show off all that a violin can do on the Elverhoj Museum’s patio. The May 9 performance starts at 7 p.m. in Solvang, and doors open half an hour prior. The two-time Grammy award winner is originally from Copenhagen, Denmark. Tolling was part of The Turtle Island Quartet and […]
